Effect of short-term isometric handgrip training on blood pressure in middle-aged females

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of isometric handgrip training on blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged women (47.88 ± 1.8 years). METHODS: Isometric handgrip training was performed over five consecutive days. In each session, the treatment group (n = 9) performed four isometric contractions of 45 seconds each at 30% of their maximal grip strength. The control group (n = 9) sat for 15 minutes without exercising, for five consecutive days. Resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Data were analysed using a two-factor ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Blood pressure readings were reduced in both groups (SBP: p = 0.036; DBP: p = 0.0079), however there was no interaction effect for SBP or DBP. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that 15 minutes of sitting per day for five consecutive days is just as effective as isometric handgrip training for reducing BP levels. Future research is required to investigate the optimal isometric handgrip training stimulus required to reduce resting BP levels.